Kourtney Welch
Feb. 5, 2018
By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer
CROSSVILLE, Tenn. – Kourtney Welch, 19, is using two part-time jobs at Roane State’s Cumberland County campus to become more independent. “I’m working on moving out of my mom’s home and saving for a car,” she explained.
Welch has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while working both as a tutor in the campus’s Learning Center and as a front-line receptionist in the lobby.
She answers calls, helps new students find their way around the campus and is available for other duties. “I’m a quick learner,” she said, “but I didn’t realize I had ‘people skills’ until I started doing this.”
As a tutor, she helps fellow students with English, anatomy and math. “I like it a lot more than I thought I would,” she said of tutoring. “I think I’m getting better and better” at helping fellow students, she added.
She recalls assisting a student having problems with anatomy. “I think he had test anxiety, and I coached him how to study.” His grades quickly improved, she said.
Welch also has counseled students taking English courses on various study topics and ideas, and proofreads their essays.
“We’re pretty busy,” she said. “I get a lot of requests for help with statistics and English.” As a 2016 graduate of Cumberland County High School, Welch on occasion has tutored former classmates.
Stan Tabor, technical clerk at the Cumberland County campus, said Welch’s job as a receptionist is part of a federal program where participants can make up to $1,000 each semester. She works 11 hours weekly.
Her Learning Center duties are through a contract administered by Mike Hill, who directs learning centers at various Roane State campuses.
Welch’s college expenses are covered by the last-dollar scholarship, Tennessee Promise, the Hope Scholarship and a Federal Pell Grant. She said she’s aiming for a general transfer degree and plans to study nutrition at a yet-to-be determined university.
To learn more about academic programs at the Cumberland County campus, visit or call (931) 456-9880.
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.